Practice Test Geeks(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test
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Ethical and Legal Principles Flashcards

7 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Ethical and Legal Principles flashcards as text

  1. A community paramedic visits a patient who has a valid DNR order but whose family members are demanding resuscitation be attempted. What is the legally and ethically correct action?

    Answer: Honor the DNR order and explain its legal validity to the family

    A valid DNR order is a legally binding document that must be honored regardless of family wishes.

  2. Which legal doctrine holds that a community paramedic may be held liable for the negligent acts of unlicensed personnel they supervise?

    Answer: Respondeat superior

    Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') holds supervisors liable for the negligent acts of those they supervise.

  3. A community paramedic discovers during a home visit that a patient's medication was stolen by a family member. What is the primary ethical obligation?

    Answer: Ensure patient safety and report suspected elder or vulnerable adult abuse per mandatory reporting laws

    Suspected theft of medications from a vulnerable patient triggers mandatory reporting obligations and patient safety responsibilities.

  4. The ethical principle of justice in community paramedicine most directly relates to which of the following?

    Answer: Equitable distribution of healthcare resources and services across populations

    Justice refers to fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources and treatment without discrimination.

  5. A patient with schizophrenia refuses a recommended intervention. Under what condition may a community paramedic override this refusal?

    Answer: When the patient is determined to lack decision-making capacity at that time

    A psychiatric diagnosis alone does not remove capacity; a formal determination of lacking decision-making capacity is required before overriding refusal.

  6. Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'duty to act' for a community paramedic?

    Answer: A legal obligation to provide care once a provider-patient relationship is established

    Duty to act is a legal obligation that arises once a provider-patient relationship has been established.

  7. A community paramedic receives a gift of significant monetary value from a grateful patient. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

    Answer: Decline the gift and explain that accepting it could compromise professional objectivity

    Accepting significant gifts can create conflicts of interest and compromise professional integrity; declining maintains clear boundaries.